Singer Ani DiFranco Honoured by U of W

Dr. Angela Failler, associate professor and department chair of women’s and gender studies, Ani DiFranco, and Dr. Lloyd Axworthy, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Winnipeg. (HANDOUT)

Renowned singer-songwriter and performer Ani DiFranco received an Honorary Doctorate of Letters on Friday at the University of Winnipeg.

DiFranco helped pioneer the independent music movement and has had a profound impact on the folk music community, including in Winnipeg. Feminist activists recognize her as a cultural icon for her unflinching critiques — expressed in song — of sexism, heterosexism, racism, and class-based discrimination.

DiFranco was honoured again Friday evening when she receives the Winnipeg Folk Festival’s 2013 Artistic Achievement Award at the Folk Festival in the Citygala fundraiser.